Joe Biden's national climate advisor believes that artificial intelligence represents a "huge opportunity."
An interview was conducted with Ali Zaidi, national advisor on climate issues, to discuss the future prospects of new energy technologies.
The elected president, Donald Trump, seems to intend to dismantle initiatives to address climate change as soon as he takes office. Currently, the available renewable energy resources are insufficient to meet U.S. climate goals or to satisfy the growing electricity demand generated by artificial intelligence. Moreover, time is running out to utilize the climate funds from the Inflation Reduction Act before the new administration attempts to reclaim them. Despite these challenges, Ali Zaidi, Joe Biden's senior advisor on climate change, remains optimistic. This optimistic approach has become a defining characteristic of the Biden and Harris team, even if this perspective does not always reflect reality.
In a recent interview, Zaidi shared his thoughts on the future of clean energy technologies and the existing possibilities for progress. With a background in law, Zaidi stated that, upon arriving in the United States at the age of six, he was inspired by the story of economic mobility in the country. His goal is to contribute to the American dream, and for him, one of the most significant opportunities lies in addressing the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.
When asked about concerns that the Trump administration might reverse advancements in clean energy, Zaidi expressed confidence that progress in the United States will continue robustly. He asserted that the fight against climate change is also an opportunity to enhance energy security and revitalize economies that have been neglected. He highlighted a "tech-agnostic" approach that guides his efforts toward reducing net emissions.
Zaidi also pointed out the progress in modern energy projects, such as a significant geothermal project in Utah that will produce energy innovatively. Additionally, he mentioned the resurgence of nuclear energy in the country, with new reactors beginning to operate, and how other renewable energy sources, including offshore wind installations, are being implemented.
Regarding individual choices on energy issues, Zaidi emphasizes the importance of connecting with people's needs and concerns while addressing the climate crisis. He mentioned how the shift towards more sustainable technologies, such as LED bulbs, has improved not only costs but also product quality.
Regarding the greenhouse gas reduction targets set for 2035, Zaidi underscored the need to invest in the agricultural sector, highlighting the relevance of precision agriculture and its alignment with sustainable practices. He also noted the growth in battery production capacity in the U.S., which will facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.
In relation to the increased energy demand from data centers driven by artificial intelligence, Zaidi mentioned the consensus within the industry on the need to use clean energy to meet this demand, viewing AI as an accelerator in modernizing the energy infrastructure.
Finally, he touched on the topic of the Inflation Reduction Act, considering that a large percentage of the funds are already being utilized in the economy. He pointed out that reversing access to these funds could negatively impact thousands of jobs nationwide and viewed the current revival of manufacturing as a timely opportunity to strengthen U.S. energy security and technology.
